St. John’s, Newfoundland
The Flag of St. John’s, Newfoundland
The flag of the City of St. John’s in Newfoundland is a vivid and intricate design that encapsulates the city’s rich history, religious significance, and connection to maritime exploration. At its core, the flag features a white field with the city’s colourful coat of arms displayed in the centre. The coat of arms dominates the flag, extending nearly its full height, and contains a variety of symbols representing the city’s founding, its cultural heritage, and its role in the discovery and colonization of Newfoundland.
The shield of the coat of arms is designed with a red field and a white top third that includes three undulating blue stripes. These stripes symbolize the waves of the sea, reflecting the city’s coastal location and maritime history. Above these waves is a depiction of an early ship, sailing toward the hoist of the flag. The ship, with a golden yellow hull and white sails, is a classic representation of the explorers who navigated the waters around Newfoundland. The ship’s pennant and ensign, both red, further emphasize the historical connection to maritime exploration and discovery. The ship is a nod to the explorers who charted the Newfoundland coastline, particularly the early European navigators.
In the lower section of the shield, a white lamb holds a staff with a cross at its top, a traditional Christian symbol associated with St. John the Baptist. The lamb is depicted with a golden yellow halo, further highlighting its religious symbolism. On either side of the lamb are inverted scallop shells, which also have Christian connotations, particularly in relation to Catholic baptism. The lamb and the shells reinforce the connection to St. John the Baptist, whose feast day (June 24) coincides with the supposed discovery of St. John’s harbour by John Cabot in 1497. Although there is scholarly debate about Cabot’s actual visit, the legend is firmly ingrained in the city’s history.
Above the shield, the crest features a knight’s helmet, indicative of the heraldic tradition, with a golden yellow crown in the form of a crenulated stone wall that represents St. John’s status as a municipality. This crown surrounds a rocky hill, atop which stands a lion, a symbol of England, which historically claimed Newfoundland. The lion’s posture, with its right foreleg raised, is flanked by two red and white Tudor roses, representing England’s royal heritage. The mantling around the crest is red with black and white details, further emphasizing the heraldic nature of the design.
Supporting the shield on either side are two sailors, each dressed in period-appropriate clothing. One sailor holds a scroll inscribed with the date 1497, referencing Cabot’s purported discovery of Newfoundland, while the other holds a scroll with the date 1583, marking Sir Humphrey Gilbert’s formal proclamation of English possession of Newfoundland. These figures highlight the city’s deep historical roots in exploration and colonization.
Below the shield, a white ribbon bears the word Avancez, meaning “Advance” in French, which serves as the city’s motto. This motto reflects the spirit of progress and determination that has characterized St. John’s throughout its history.
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